Lexington, KY – April 17, 2012 – Public health officials, cervical cancer survivors and public health advocates from across the state will meet in Bowling Green, KY, May 14-15, 2012, for Cervical Cancer-Free Kentucky’s annual conference.
In Kentucky, cervical cancer rates are the eighth highest in the country. The mission of Cervical Cancer-Free Kentucky is to collaborate with partners to reduce cervical cancer disparities in our state through prevention of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, appropriate and timely screening and diagnosis, access to follow-up care and treatment, and changes in health policy related to cervical cancer.
To help raise awareness of the state’s commitment to women’s health issues, such as cervical cancer education, prevention, and treatment, Mrs. Madeline Abramson, wife of Kentucky’s
Lt. Governor, Jerry Abramson, will provide the keynote address.
The conference will begin with a complimentary reception at the National Corvette Museum on the evening of Monday, May 14th, 7-9pm CT and resume Tuesday, May 15th, 2012, at 8:30am CT at the Sloan Convention Center. To register, please visit www.cervicalcancerfreeky.org and click on “Conference.” There is no registration fee and lunch will be provided.
The conference followsa successful social media campaign (www.causethemovement.org) launched in January 2012 to educate the community and advocates by distributing statewide news releases, scheduling speaking engagements with radio and TV news programs and submitting columns for daily/weekly papers.
Cervical Cancer-Free Kentucky is also pleased to note that in February 2012, Kentucky’s House passed Resolution HR80 that encourages Kentucky’s citizens to become more knowledgeable about the benefits of the HPV vaccine and also encourages HPV vaccination for females (ages 9-26) and males (ages 11-26).
According to Dr. Baretta Casey, “Kentucky has one of the highest mortality rates in the country from cervical cancer, but we have the tools to change that. We just need to use them.”
The conference will provide public health officials, women’s health advocates and public health stakeholders with the latest information about cervical cancer prevention and media advocacy tools to reduce the burden of cervical cancer in Kentucky. The conference will feature:
- Personal stories from cervical cancer survivors and family members
- An overview of recent changes to cervical cancer screening guidelines and recommendations
- Instruction for writing grants and project proposals
For additional information, please call (859) 218-2062.
Cervical Cancer-Free Kentucky is made possible by an unrestricted gift from GlaxoSmithKline.
